CHAPTER 2: THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD
What does the baptism of Jesus signify?
The baptism of Jesus points to the sacrifice he was going to offer on Calvary in atonement for the sins of mankind, and his glorious resurrection.
From which day does the season of Lent begin?
The first Sunday of Lent, seven weeks before Easter is called Pethurtha. Lent begins that evening.
What was given to Jesus for reading as he entered the Synagogue?
The scroll of the Prophet Isaiah
What is it that persuaded Jesus to work the miracle at Cana?
Realizing the predicament of the people, Mary went to Jesus and said, “They have no wine”And Jesus said to her “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come”. However, with absolute trust in the Son of God, Mary said to the attendants, “Do whatever he tells you”. Out of respect for his mother's wish Jesus performed a miracle
What was Jesus's first miracle?
Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding at Cana, where He transformed water into wine.
Which are the two traditions that the Syro-Malabar Church had in connection with the feast of Deneha or Epiphany?
In the Syro-Malabar Church there was the tradition of decorating coresof banana plants (pindi) with lights and singing in El-payya (God is light) procession around the decorated lights on the feast of Deneha, to remember Jesus, the light of the world.
How could Jesus defeat Satan who tempted him?
Jesus was able to defeat Satan, the tempter, because he had developed spiritual strength through abstinence, fasting and prayer.
What was the mission entrusted to Jesus according to the Word of God read at the Synagogue? (His mission had 5 important aspects)
1. Good News to the Poor
2. Liberation of those in Bondage
3. Sight for the Blind
4. Freedom for the Oppressed
5. The Year Acceptable to the Lord
What was the Word uttered by Jesus while healing the paralyzed man at Bethzatha?
Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well and he took up his mat and began to walk (Jn 5: 1- 15). Through this miracle Jesus his glory as the Son of God.
What strives to spread the Kingdom of God on earth, through its presence, prayers, and works?
The Church strives to spread the Kingdom of God on earth.
How was the mystery of the Trinity revealed at the time of the baptism of Jesus?
God revealed to us this mystery that is incomprehensible to human intellect. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the meaning of His name Christ was revealed to us. The word 'Christ' means 'the anointed'.
With which Word of God did Jesus overcome the temptation of the devil who prompted him to make bread out of stones to satisfy his hunger?
He said is written “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
How did Jesus remove blindness from the different dimension of human life?
He raised his voice against those suffering from moral blindness such as injustice, exploitation and falsehood, and tried to bring them to the light by the Word of truth. Those who cooperated came to the joy of salvation, praising the Lord of light.
Why did Jesus delay to go to Bethany even after knowing that Lazarus was seriously sick?
However it was only after two more days that Jesus decided to travel to Bethany to visit them. For he knew that this illness was for the glory of God and for the son of God to be glorified through it. Jesus and the disciples reached Bethany on the fourth day after the death of Lazarus.
Who was the dead man that Jesus resurrected in Bethany?
Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, was a close friend of Jesus.
What are the salvific events we commemorate during the season of Epiphany?
During the Deneha period we remember and celebrate the following mysteries of salvation: The Holy Trinity, the divine and human natures of Jesus, His sonship of God, His self efacement (Kenosis) and the public life of Jesus.
What is the message that the season of Lent gives us?
The lenten season invites us to recollect our sins and repent over these, and by doing penance for these, to start a new life in Jesus.
What does ‘the Year of the Lord’ mean?
The year acceptable to the Lord is one where debts are written off, mercy is shown to widows and orphans, the yoke of injustice and inequality is broken, there is no hatred or vengeance, and everything is shared with the poor.
How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus calming the sea?
He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mk. 4: 35- 41). We learn from this miracle that no matter what hardship we face in the voyage of life, we shall be all right as long as Jesus is with us.
What is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is a condition wherein we live in a state of universal love, considering God as the Father and all humanity as brothers and sisters and as such sharing what we have. It is a community of people who live fulfilling the will of God.
What is the witness that John the Baptist gave about Jesus?
And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God” (Jn. 1: 29- 34).
What are abstinences that are prevalent in the Syro-Malabar Church?
Fifty days in preparation for Easter (Ambathu nombu)
Twenty-five days in preparation for Christmas (Irupathanchu Nombu)
Fifteen days in preparation for the feast of the Assumption of our Lady(Pathinanchu nombu)
Eight days in preparation for the birthday of our Lady (Ettu nombu)
Three days that come before the start of Lent (Moonnu nombu)
How was the Kingdom of God revealed in the words, deeds and presence of Jesus?
Jesus gave proof of the Kingdom of God through several miracles such as the feeding of a multitude with a few loaves of bread and the healing of the sick and the possessed. Through his word and his presence, this kingdom of God was made manifest to the people.
What was the Word Jesus uttered to Martha, revealing himself, before raising Lazarus from the dead?
So, Jesus said to reassure her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. And every one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
EXTRA BONUS: Along with the abstinence the Marthoma Christians were particular in observing certain days of fasting or _____________. (Hint: It is in Malayalam).
Upavaasam: The idea is to spend the whole day with God in prayer neglecting even food, eating only one full meal on such a day.